I do not think I would use mine as much if I were home all day but I work full time. I do use it more often in the winter. We are on the go way too much and so it comes in handy for tail gate parties, friendly get together and other social gatherings. Just used 2 for our local town Xmas party on Sat night. As others have said I make soups and stews mostly and I have even baked cakes in mine. We eat venison and I do buy meat on sale and freeze it to use later. We like having leftovers for the next night. Last night we had a pork roast with pearl onions, whole cranberries, carrots and celery. It was very good.